Hair Transplant

Name: Hair Transplant
Brand: Hessler Plastic Surgery
Rating: 5 (19 reviews)

Dr. Hessler offers advanced hair transplant techniques that can restore natural-looking, strong hair.

Hair Transplant in Palo Alto, San Jose, and the Bay Area

With years of experience delivering state-of-the-art hair transplant treatments, Dr. Hessler has helped many Palo Alto, San Jose, and Bay Area patients restore beautiful, natural-looking hair to numerous patients.

Why undergo a hair transplant?

Unfortunately, many men who have tried topical medications and hormone therapies discover that these products simply do not work for them. For these patients, a surgical hair transplant may be the best option. If a receding hairline, bald spot, or thinning hair is taking a toll on your confidence and other treatments have not been working, we welcome you to visit Dr. Hessler for a consultation.

Follicular unit extraction with NeoGraft

Dr. Hessler is pleased to offer NeoGraft®, an FDA approved hair transplant technology that uses the follicular unit extraction (FUE) method. During a NeoGraft procedure, a group of 1 to 4 hair follicles will be removed from the hair-bearing scalp. Then the follicles will be placed in the areas of the scalp where they are needed. The grafted hair will stay in place for 1 to 3 weeks. Then it will shed, and brand-new hair growth will start in three to four months. The NeoGraft process is designed to deliver precise and predictable results.

This cuts down on the treatment time and allows Dr. Hessler to double the number of transplanted grafts. The NeoGraft procedure does not require a lengthy recovery period, and it doesn’t cause numbness or a linear scar on the back of the head (the way that a follicular unit transplant does; see below). After a NeoGraft procedure, patients are able to return to work and their normal routine very quickly, with little to no discomfort. Once the area heals, beautiful, natural-looking hair will begin to grow in.

Results speak for themselves

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Follicular unit transplant

The “strip method” (follicular unit transplantation) earns its name because this technique removes an entire strip of hair from the back of the scalp. This strip is then dissected into multiple hair grafts, which are then implanted into the areas where the hair is thinning, balding, or receding.

The grafts are placed 1 to 4 hairs at a time. Many patients choose the strip method because it has a very high hair follicle survival rate; the results are excellent, and it is a cost-effective option. However, in this method, a linear scar across the back of the head is left behind.

This isn’t a problem for some individuals, as the scar is hidden by their hair. But for others who wear their hair short, this often excludes this method as an option.

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Causes of hair loss in men

The primary cause of male hair loss is genetics. However, there is a variety of other factors that have been known to result in hair loss, including certain types of medications, an unhealthy lifestyle, hormonal changes, scalp disorders, stress and physical changes, diet, and trauma.

Most men lose their hair beginning at the temples and the front part of the head. This is the well-known “receding hairline” that typically appears in late 30s and 40s. This condition is called male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia).

It causes the hair follicles to shrink over time, eventually leading to inability to produce new hair. As a result, the area of baldness slowly spreads and the remaining hair begins to appear thinner.

Options for non-surgical male hair loss treatment

If you’re struggling with hair loss but don’t feel quite ready to undergo a surgical hair transplant, Dr. Hessler offers PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments for hair restoration for those in Palo Alto, San Jose, and the Bay Area. This is a hair loss treatment in which growth factors from your own blood are used to stimulate inactive hair follicles to begin an active growth phase. PRP hair restoration is a chemical-free procedure that requires multiple sessions to take effect. The treatment is administered via injections directly into targeted areas of the scalp. This is an especially effective treatment for those with androgenetic alopecia. During your consultation with Dr. Hessler, she will perform a thorough examination to determine if PRP hair restoration is right for you.

Corrective hair transplants

As a very accomplished hair transplants provider, Dr. Hessler performs corrective hair transplantation. This treatment is for patients who have undergone a hair transplantation elsewhere, and did not like the results. Each corrective hair transplant procedure is highly personalized to suit the background and the specific needs of each unique patient.

This often involves transplanting individual hairs to soften a hairline that appears harsh or abrupt. Corrective hair transplantation can also involve improving the angle or direction of the transplanted hairs. Dr. Jill Hessler will go over your areas of concern during your hair transplant consultation.

Hair transplant procedure details

NeoGraft FUE procedure details

When you arrive for your NeoGraft FUE appointment, the back of your head will be shaved. Injections with a local anesthetic will numb the area to be treated, and Dr. Hessler will start the procedure. She will use a handheld device to make small, circular incisions into the scalp so that she can remove the healthy hair follicles. This device is a tiny tube with a sharp edge that can make tiny “punches” into the scalp.

Once the follicles have been removed and safely prepared for transplant, Dr. Hessler will use a fine, needle-point instrument to create tiny recipient sites in the areas where more hair growth is needed. The hair follicles will be grafted into these areas in a natural-looking pattern. After this, your head will be dressed to help with healing.

FUT procedure details

When you arrive for your FUT appointment, your hair will be shaved or cut in the area where the follicles will be taken. Injections with a local anesthetic will numb the area to be treated, and Dr. Hessler will start the procedure. She will remove a thin, linear strip of tissue from the scalp. Once the strip has been removed, it will be divided into separate groupings of 1 to 4 hairs.

Dr. Hessler will then implant the follicles into the areas of the scalp where hair growth is needed, placing them as naturally as possible. She will use a fine, needle-point instrument to create tiny recipient sites around the existing hair, so there is no need to cut it. Once the follicles have been implanted into the recipient sites, the incisions from the removed strip will then be closed, and your head may be dressed to help with healing.

Causes of hair loss in women

Hair loss in women is different than hair loss in men. Women typically notice an overall thinning of hair over the entire top of the head. While often the main cause is genetics, sometimes there are other causes for this condition. These can include hormone imbalances, certain medications, stress, trauma, scalp disorders, trichotillomania, and physical changes. An unhealthy lifestyle and poor diet can also lead to this condition.

In addition, many women subject their hair to aggressive styling techniques such as chemical straightening/curling, bleaching, hot ironing, and tightly-pulled hairstyles. Over time, these treatments might damage the hair follicles, causing them to shrink. This results in thin, disappearing hair — as well as the inability to generate new hair.

Other hair concerns for women

Many women are very bothered by their high hairline or large forehead because they dislike the aesthetic. A high hairline can take away femininity or cause an aged appearance, even in very young women. This is a concern that female hairline lowering can address. Female hairline lowering can help women achieve a softer, more feminine appearance. The procedure involves creating an incision at the front of the hairline, then moving the hairline forward a couple of inches.

In addition to thin hair on the top of the head or a high hairline, many women are also concerned about thinning eyebrows or eyelashes. In order to grow fuller, longer eyelashes, Dr. Hessler offers Latisse®, a prescription medication that has been proven to grow longer, darker eyelashes when applied to the lash line and eyelid skin. Dr. Hessler also offers micro hair follicle transplantation for eyebrows and scars in order to restore a healthy, natural appearance following injury or surgical wounds.

Recovery from a hair transplant

Your head will be wrapped with surgical dressings directly after your hair transplant. These dressings will need to stay in place until your follow-up appointment (usually the next day). During recovery, most patients experience a headache and mild swelling in the forehead from the anesthetic injections. Small scabs will also develop where the incisions were made. The area where the follicles were transferred will be pink, and will remain so for a few weeks.

It’s important that you lie down as much as possible during the first few days — but keep your head slightly elevated, even when sleeping. It’s also important that you do not touch the transplanted hair during the first 7 to 10 days after the procedure. Avoid strenuous activities and impact sports during this time in order not to dislodge the newly transplanted hair follicles.

You should also avoid getting your scalp wet for three days. On the fourth day, you may wash your head, but be sure to be very gentle. Use baby shampoo and handle your scalp delicately, patting it dry instead of rubbing. If you go outside, wear a breathable, loose hat to help avoid sun exposure. It is also best to avoid pools, alcohol, and exercise during this time.

Results from a hair transplant

Hair naturally grows in cycles, and the transplanted hair follicles will go through multiple phases before results become apparent. After your hair transplant procedure, you will notice new hair in the previously bald spots of your scalp. Over the next few days, this new hair will fall out. This is completely normal because of the growth phases. Within 2 to 3 months, the hair follicles will become fully integrated into their new position, and you will see the growth of new hair.

Those considering a hair transplant should be aware that full results don’t become apparent for about one year. Within 2 to 3 months after your hair transplant surgery, you will notice new hair growing in the treated areas, but the final results will typically not become apparent until 6 to 12 months. At this time, the hair transplantation surgery might need to be repeated to address additional areas of the scalp. Your new hair will be permanent, look natural, and behave like normal hair — with each individual strand periodically falling out and growing back according to its natural cycle.

Is a hair transplant right for you?

If you’re in Palo Alto, San Jose, or the Bay Area and you’re considering a hair transplant with Dr. Hessler, it may be the perfect procedure for your needs. The best male candidates for a hair transplant are those who have a balding scalp, but a good amount of healthy hair on the sides and back of the head that can be used to harvest hair follicles for transplantation.

While most hair transplant candidates are men in their 40s and 50s, much younger patients can also pursue this procedure if they have early onset of baldness. However, it’s important for younger patients to have stable hair loss before undergoing a hair transplant procedure because patients should not pursue hair transplant procedures when active hair loss is still occurring.

Dr. Hessler can determine if a hair transplant is right for you during your consultation.

Schedule your consultation for hair transplant surgery in Palo Alto, San Jose, or the Bay Area

If you’re considering a hair transplant in Palo Alto, San Jose, or the Bay Area, you have found your ideal surgeon. Dr. Jill Hessler is a highly recognized authority in the field of surgical treatment of hair loss. At the Center for Hair Restoration at Hessler Plastic Surgery, we utilize the most advanced hair transplantation technique available combined with Dr. Hessler’s artistic eye to achieve results that look and feel absolutely natural. No matter what the cause of your hair loss may be, Dr. Hessler can help. She is an award-winning, double board-certified surgeon with a high level of dedication to her patients. When you choose to work with Dr. Hessler for your hair restoration treatment, you will receive both exceptional care and results, with personalized guidance every step of the way. When it comes to your hair, never settle for anything less than superior. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.